I really thought I posted this already. I must have dreamed it.

I noticed on the sales board that the crazy "I'll buy your house if you'll buy mine" deal finally closed. I can't really say "without a hitch" because I heard they pretty much hitched their way through the whole thing. The success of this deal, I think, is due to the cooperation of everyone involved. The realtors and lender worked great together and the buyer and seller were both so terrific that whenever one of them hit a wall the other said, "what can I do?"

Two weeks after closing, the folks are still grinning ear to ear and offering thanks all around. At a tough time in the business when many are wondering, "why am I doing this?" these people remind me why.

The details of the deal were, are, amazing to me and I do still hope it inspires creativity to help other buyers and sellers. But now that it's done and appreciating the attitude of all, I'd also like to hold it up as example for everyone that an open mind, some kindness, and a little trust can accomplish more than greed and shrewd negotiation.